Child Trafficking: Police Withdraw Charge Against Accused

The Nigerian Police au
thorities in Rivers State have withdrawn alleged child trafficking charge brought against an accused person, Dr Chinyere Emeka Igwe, pending before a Port Harcourt Chief Magistrate Court presided over by Ipalibo F. Iyiabo arraigned on charge sheet number PMC/1934c/2013.
The withdrawal was sequel to the submission of the prosecution counsel in the matter, MSP Wilson Isaiah on the desire of the prosecution to continue in the matter following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IG Mohammed Abubakar, that all the charges brought against her be withdrawn.
The defense counsel to the accused in the matter, Chief Ernest Igwe, told the Court that since the Inspector-General of Police has given such directive as testified by the prosecution counsel, there was no need for the accused to be arraigned again on the same charge or incidental to the on-going prosecution.
He urged the court to dismiss the matter as submitted by the police prosecuting counsel, adding that he was not opposing the position taken by the prosecuting counsel.
Ruling on the matter, Monday, the presiding Chief Magistrate Court 2, I.F. Iyiabo, ruled that; “since the police initiated the matter and the IGP has decided to withdraw the charges,” the court was mindful to grant the application as sought by the prosecution”.
The presiding chief magistrate, who relied on section 484 of the criminal procedure law discharged and acquitted the accused.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the court sitting, counsel to the accused person who hailed the ruling of the court said he did not oppose the application because the complainant has the right to withdraw his matter.